https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/B_TOPICSThis course provides an overview of contemporary insights, methods and research questions in the field of rehabilitation from a human movement sciences perspective. The course identifies several overarching and hot topics in rehabilitation such as cost effectiveness, compensation versus restitution, statistical versus clinical relevance, as well as the use of data to monitor and adapt treatments. In addition, rehabilitation for various diagnoses will be presented, also with regard to the hot topics. After this course students should be able to identify, summarize, critically evaluate, present and expand upon issues regarding these topics. The students learn to understand the relevant issues, terms, concepts, mechanisms, and models relevant to human movement science in the context of rehabilitation, and relate those to various aspects of functional recovery, adaptation, compensation, training and learning of function and activities in the framework of restoration of mobility in persons with neurological and musculoskeletal impairments. They learn to understand the contexts as well as the practical process of scientific research and communication in the combined fields of rehabilitation and human movement sciences. They also appreciate clinical decision-making and acknowledge the importance of the ICF-framework (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) in rehabilitation medicine.Lectures and a site visit provide insight into actual problems in the research and practice of disorders for which restoration or improvement of mobility is one of the key aims. Primarily a biophysical approach is taken: biomechanical, motor control and exercise (neuro)physiological principles, techniques and research findings will be discussed in specific patient populations, such as those with cerebral palsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, post-polio and diabetes. Aspects of functional recovery, neuroplasticity, adaptation, compensation as well as concepts of learning and training mechanisms will be addressed. Research in this field will be presented and discussed by several experts in the field, in the format of ‘Capita Selecta’.12 lectures of 2 hrs; 1 site visit with workshops (4 hrs) to rehabilitation center Reade + several meetings for the presentation assignment*. Attending the site visit is compulsory. *Several 2-hr meetings in which each student-pair gives a 10 to 15-minute presentation on a current rehabilitation topic. Each student should attend at least 3 of these meetings.Multiple choice examination counting for 75% of the final grade. The mark for the presentation determines the remaining 25%.A selection of scientific papers and an online reader.For more info on workgroups, laboratories visit, etc. please see CANVAS. This course has a limited capacity, due to the presentation assignment.Students should have basic knowledge and understanding of neuro-physiology, neuroanatomy, biomechanics, and exercise physiology.